CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 08: Taylor Ward #3 and Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrate after defeating the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on April 08, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Only a few days ago, the Orioles were limping into a cold road series against the White Sox, looking like they were going to be weighed down by problems they could not solve early in the season the same as last year. What if their woes had continued against the White Sox? What then? With those concerns in mind, in this week’s survey, I asked O’s fans to think about whether the team would be able to get back to .500 this month, something they never did in April 2025 or beyond.
The question was decisively answered before I could even share the results with you since the Orioles went ahead and swept the White Sox in the three-game set played Monday through Wednesday. O’s fans may not have expected it to happen already, but an overwhelming majority expected the team to at least get back to .500 by the end of this month:
Between the time I sent off this question to the survey guy and when I shared it with you, the Orioles had already gotten one of the three needed wins. They picked up the other two on the way to the road sweep.
It must be said that the Orioles did not look particularly good in any of those games and were probably fortunate to get a three-game sweep. There are problems to be solved. At least for now, if they can minimize the damage while they are trying to solve those problems, that should help the team avoid the problem they had last year of falling into an early hole from which there was no chance to recover.
Everybody in the AL East is dealing with problems early on, even the Yankees. Just avoid falling too far behind to catch up. Hopefully the Orioles can continue in the right direction in this weekend’s series against the Giants, who are also scuffling early on.
SURPRISE, AZ- Feb 17: Photo from a Kansas City Royals City Connect Uniform set launch shoot at the team’s Surprise Stadium Complex on Tuesday February 17, 2026, in Surprise, AZ (Photo by Jason Hanna/Kansas City Royals)
The Royals unveiled new City Connect jerseys this week, with mixed reactions from fans. The uniforms, which will be worn Friday evening, include a Royals “R” in a font similar to that used in the city flag with gradient colors celebrates the City of Fountains logo adopted by Kansas City in 1991.
They are one of eight new City Connect jerseys around baseball unveiled this year. The jerseys are an outlet for added creativity, but let’s face it, it’s also a way to move more merch. Here’s a look at some of the other designs.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves have had a number of different jerseys over the years, but they went with a classic baby blue jersey with the 70s era “Atlanta” script across the front.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles went with “BMORE” across the chest, with a 1890s Baltimore Baseball Club “B” logo on the cap.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds really leaned into their name – the jerseys are very, very red. The sleeve graphic features the Tyler Davidson Fountain, a notable landmark in Cincinnati.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brew Crew design features “Wisco” across the chest and “Forward,” Wisconsin’s state motto, sewn into the collar, and a Barrelman sleeve patch and a wheat/barley braid.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pirates uniforms include a 1997-era Pirate wearing an eyepatch with a red bandana on the left sleeve, along with 1887 split in half by “PGH” in the same font as the front.
San Diego Padres
Padres uniforms are “bone, obsidian, marigold, aqua, fireberry, and Padres gold” with a sleeve patch honoring Dia de los Muertos.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers spell out “Tejas”, a word rooted in the Caddo language, which has historically been spoken by Native American groups across Texas and Oklahoma, and is “Texas” in Spanish.
Of the new City Connect jerseys, which one is your favorite? Least favorite? Which of the past City Connect jerseys is tops in your book?
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 04: Starter Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Chase Field on April 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Braves 2-1. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The two teams in MLB that are yet to lose a series will face off in Atlanta this weekend, as the Braves host the Guardians.
Bryce Elder will take the mound in game 1 and the Braves hope he can keep up his hot start to the season. He has been getting the job done to the tune of a 98th percentile pitching run value (in a miniscule sample) with a combination of walk avoidance, ground balls, inducing barrels, and quality strikeout numbers, due in no small part to his elite chase%. He has added a cutter and added substantial depth to his slider, which add some plausible durability to his improved performance, even as it is unlikely that he is suddenly a true talent Cy Young candidate. The Braves will hope he can look like one against this Guardians lineup and contribute to a win in game 1.
On the other side, the Braves’ bats will have to contend with the 33rd pick in the 2020 draft, righty Slade Cecconi. In some ways, Cecconi is similar to Elder, in that he has been sitting in the low-90s with his fastball this season (a tick and a half down from last year) and added a cutter this season. Cecconi has utilized his new cutter much more than Elder though, as it has been his second pitch this season, throwing it 26% of the time. He uses a very slow curve as his breaking ball of choice, but has also swapped his slider for a sweeper this year, which he uses to keep hitters off-balance. Cecconi is not especially good, but gets the job done well enough when he keeps walks down. He doesn’t really miss bats or induce chases though, and he was in the 1st percentile in hard-hit%, 2nd percentile in avg exit velo and 3rd percentile in barrel% in 2025, all with a roughly league average ground ball rate, so to say he can be hit hard would be an understatement. I’ll be looking for the Braves to hammer Cecconi and I’m gonna be bold(ish) and predict that Ronald Acuna finally hits his first homer of the season off of Cecconi.
Apr 9, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers (40) walks to the dugout before the game against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images
After a couple of so-so starts to open his New York Yankees’ career, left-hander Ryan Weathers had his best outing of the young season on Thursday against the Athletics. He completed eight innings, surrendering a single run on seven hits and punching out seven. He didn’t walk anyone, which is particularly encouraging since he entered the game having given away five bases on balls in eight frames.
Now, Weathers’ season ERA stands at a strong 2.81 in 16 innings of work, with five walks and 18 strikeouts. That’ll do.
The Yankees’ offense is not at its finest, but the starting pitching sure is amazing. Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Weathers have been excellent on the whole, and we haven’t even seen Luis Gil, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt yet, not to mention top prospects Elmer Rodríguez and Carlos Lagrange, who continue to develop on the farm.
Back to Weathers: we saw him dominate on Thursday despite diminished velocity, at least compared to his previous two games and what he showed in the spring. His four-seamer averaged 95.1 mph, down from 96.6 mph on the season to this point, and touched 97.4 mph. The pitch has flirted with the triple digits at various points this year. Is the decrease something to worry about?
Well, judging by the results and the lack of any post-game comments about his health or any potential issues, it appears to be the pitcher dialing back in an effort to throw more strikes (it also sure was chilly at the stadium on Thursday). And it worked! He peppered the zone with 73 strikes out of his 101 pitches.
According to what he said after the game, Weathers was more relaxed on the mound, and it clearly had a positive effect on the outcome: “Now I know what that feeling is of just being calm on the mound – hopefully I can keep throwing strikes.”
If that was the key, keep the strikes coming! Weathers’ stuff is good enough to trust it to play in the zone. On Thursday, it definitely did, against an Athletics lineup with a number of formidable bats. Weathers earned 12 whiffs, four each with the four-seamer and sweeper, three with the changeup, and one with the sinker. He did allow some hard contact, but never seemed to be overly fazed by the occasion, except for the Max Muncy triple and the subsequent RBI single by Tyler Soderstrom in the seventh.
If we are being fair, that triple he gave up wasn’t a bad pitch location-wise, so credit goes to the batter:
The whiffs were nice to see, but that wasn’t all: Weathers got a healthy amount of called strikes, especially with his sinker (10) and sweeper (eight). He had 19 in total. Additionally, he had first-pitch strikes against 20 of the 30 batters he faced for a solid 67 percent.
Weathers experienced diminished velocity during his outing, toward the late innings. It was likely due to fatigue, as after touching 96.4 mph in the second frame and 97.4 mph in the fourth, he was down to 93.3 mph in the sixth and 93.8 mph in the seventh. By the eighth, he stopped throwing the pitch altogether, dealing with that frame with sweepers and changeups.
After throwing his four-seamer 42.4 percent of the time leading up to Thursday’s start, more than any other offering, Weathers prioritized his sinker (30 percent), sweeper (27 percent), and changeup (25 percent) against the Athletics, with the heater a distant fourth at 18 percent. He earned a lot of strikes with the mix, but it remains to be seen if it will be a permanent shift away from the four-seamer or if it was matchup-based. He even moved away from the fastball as the outing went on, using it 35 percent of the time the first time through the lineup, 16 percent the second time, and eight percent the third time, with the number dropping to zero the fourth time through.
Despite the loss, Weathers did everything in his power to give his team a W. It didn’t happen because the offense didn’t show up to the ballpark, but he pitched a very solid game. He said it himself: throwing strikes appears to be the most important thing for him, and when he trusts his stuff, he will most likely succeed even if he is not hitting 99 mph on the radar gun.
PHOENIX, AZ - SEPTEMBER 24: Devin Booker #1, Jalen Green #4 and Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during Media Day on September 24, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The regular season for the Phoenix Suns is all but over. Two games remain on the schedule, but in the grand scheme, they feel meaningless. The Suns have locked up the seventh seed and will host a Play-In Tournament game next Tuesday, with the opponent still to be determined.
There is no real reason to exert unnecessary energy against either the Lakers or the Thunder over these final two games, and the team should avoid putting itself in a position where injury could occur, especially to primary players. Rest over the last few days, prepare for the Play-In, and get ready for the grind that comes with the second season.
When the injury report dropped Thursday evening and stated that Devin Booker would be out with ankle injury management, it did not come as a surprise. After a long, arduous season, any opportunity for rest stands out, and that opportunity presents itself in a game against the Lakers.
Suns injury report at Lakers:
OUT: Devin Booker (right ankle injury management), Jordan Goodwin (left ankle sprain) and Haywood Highsmith (right knee injury management).
I understand the thinking. I do not doubt or criticize the methodology. Well, kind of. But as Randy Travis once said, on the other hand…
This is not an ideal situation for Phoenix as the regular season comes to a close and the team is playing far from its best basketball. The team is 5-5 in their last 10. There is an argument to be made that these final two games could be used to continue finding the chemistry and geometry of a team that has lacked both for the past two months. There is still time to see what certain lineups can do together.
Which lineups am I speaking of? Any that have Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks.
Unfortunately, injuries have cost the Phoenix Suns any real opportunity to see what their three highest-paid players can do together on the court. Devin Booker has missed 16 games and is set to miss his 17th tonight against the Lakers. Dillon Brooks has missed 35 games. Jalen Green has missed 48. Finding consistent combinations with all three available has been a challenge due to a lack of availability, and the truth is there simply is not much data on lineups featuring them together.
They have played 10 games alongside each other this season. 133 total minutes. That’s it. They are a +8 in that time. Collectively, the team shot 47.7% from the field in those minutes, 37.5% from deep, and had a 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio.
When you dig into those lineups, the one with the most run features Booker, Brooks, and Green alongside Jordan Goodwin and Mark Williams. That group has logged 32 minutes, scored 84 points, and sits at a +14. It also shot a mundane 31.8% from beyond the arc and posted a 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio, so it has not exactly been a dominant or sustainable lineup.
The lineup with the next-best plus-minus swaps Goodwin for Gillespie. We saw it for four minutes at the end of the game against the Bulls, and it was a +7.
The Suns could have used these final two games to learn something, to get a better feel for how lineups around their three highest-paid players function. Instead, it feels like they are heading into the postseason without that clarity. I understand the decision. The NBA season is a grind, and when there is a chance to rest, teams take it.
Still, it would feel different if this team were playing better entering this point of the season. They barely got past the Chicago Bulls. The Dallas Mavericks, who did everything short of waving a white flag late, were not an easy out either. The team feels like it is sputtering.
There is an appreciation for what they have accomplished this season. That part is real. The in-the-moment product feels different. And the rest conversation matters. If you take care of business in the Play-In game, you earn a few extra days. If you enter that game stale, you can forget about rest. You are right back on the floor a couple of nights later.
So I see the strategy. I understand it. It does not fully land with me. I would rather see a team building momentum, using every opportunity to gel, especially one that has dealt with this many injuries and is still searching for its identity. But that is where we are. Limping into the postseason, hoping it clicks when it matters most.
The news going into the Buffalo Sabres contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets was concerning, as head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that veteran goalie Alex Lyon pulled a muscle in New York City on Wednesday and would be out at least a week with a lower-body injury. The injury meant that rookie Colten Ellis would be making his first start in over two months, but the youngster stepped up with a 37-save performance in a 5-0 victory to earn his first career shutout and the Sabres a key two points in their race to win the Atlantic Division.
"(Ellis is) the ultimate competitor. He's doing all a lot of extra skates with our extra players. Every time he steps in the net in practice, he's trying to make sure he doesn't get scored against," Ruff said after the game. "(He is the) first guy to the rink a lot of times, almost every day. I think that's part of routine that leads a lot of great habits."
The 25-year-old was claimed off of waivers in October and has remained as the third goalie behind Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Lyon all year, but has been needed to step in as both veterans have been injured for stretches this season, and has posted a very respectable 8-4-1 record in 13 starts. Ellis has served as the backup for both veterans on most nights, and did get into a game last weekend after Lyon allowed three goals in less than six minutes.
"When I put him in in Washington, a little bit of a different situation, he didn't feel that comfortable. But I think knowing that he was going to play and preparing to play really helped him out." Ruff said. "Halfway through the first period, it just looked like he just had himself in a great place."
After taking the lead in the first on a Peyton Krebs goal, the Sabres seemed to be holding on for dear life, with Columbus outshooting them 14-4 in the second, but Josh Doan’s first of two goals midway through the third period seemed to open the floodgates, as Buffalo scored four goals to pull away. The win was critical for the Sabres in their quest for home-ice advantage in the first round.
According to Moneypuck.com, after the Montreal Canadiens beat Tampa Bay 2-1 at the Bell Centre on Thursday, Buffalo has a 73.7% chance of winning the division, and a 95.4% chance of having home-ice advantage in the first round. Both the Habs and Lightning have a game in hand, but the Canadiens is two points behind the Sabres, and Tampa Bay is four points back.
Buffalo and the entire NHL have the day off on Friday, but the Sabres next game is not until Monday in Chicago against the Blackhawks and finish the regular season against the Dallas Stars at home next Wednesday.
The Buffalo Sabres 2024 Draft may be the only group that former GM Kevyn Adams selected that will yield NHL prospects outside of the first round. Top pick Konsta Helenius is thriving in his second pro season in Rochester, second-rounder Adam Kleber won with Team USA at the World Junior in 2025 and is a big, righty blueliner, and third-rounder Brodie Ziemer was one of the best scorers in the NCAA last season, netting 23 goals as a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, but two more '24 picks will have a chance to add an NCAA Championship to their resumes.
Fourth-rounder Luke Osburn and seventh-rounder Vasily Zelenov and the Wisconsin Badgers will take on Denver U. in the Final on Saturday. Osburn won the USHL defenseman of the year in 2025 with Youngstown, surprisingly made Team USA's World Junior squad last December, and posted 21 points with Wisconsin as a freshman. Zelenov played his youth hockey in Austria, played one season in Green Bay of the USHL, and had 18 points in his freshman season with the Badgers.
Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser has been selected as his team’s nominee for the 2026 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the player that “best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
Boeser, who has been with the Canucks since being drafted in 2015, signed a seven-year extension with the team during the 2025 off-season and is one of only four players who have spent more than five seasons with the team. Last night, he took sole possession of eighth all-time in franchise history in points scored by a Canuck with 479.
The award is voted on by a panel featuring NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman as well as former winners of both the King Clancy Trophy and the NHL Foundation Player Award. A $25,000 donation will be given to the winner’s charity of choice.
Throughout history, three members of the Canucks have won this award: Trevor Linden (1997), Henrik Sedin (2016, 2018), and Daniel Sedin (2018.)
Apr 2, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) shoots the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
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LeBron James was asked what the Los Angeles Lakers need from him in these final games of the regular season.
His answer was simple: Everything.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injured, James is battling to keep L.A. as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. And he’s done just that – everything – for the Lakers, totaling 56 points, 26 assists, and 17 rebounds the past two games.
Our Suns vs. Lakers predictions see LeBron’s stat line taking a step back Friday, at least in one category.
My NBA picks are playing it cool with LeBron’s assist total tonight.
Suns vs Lakers prediction
Suns vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Under 9.5 Assists (-120)
With Luka Doncic down, LeBron James has taken over as the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary ball handler, and that’s pumped up his passing potential, recording 11 and 15 dimes the past two games.
However, while LeBron has been doing it all for L.A., he could get some help in the backcourt.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart is trending toward a return tonight. Smart hasn’t played since March 21 due to an ankle injury, but coach J.J. Redick is “hopeful” to have him back versus the Phoenix Suns.
Smart gives L.A. much-needed backcourt depth and allows James to play his natural position off the ball, making him more of a shooter than a facilitator. Before Luka got hurt, James was averaging around seven assists during the Lakers’ red-hot run through March.
There are a few other factors that could temper his passing prowess versus Phoenix.
James did hurt his hand attempting a block last night, yet stayed in the game. He’s now taking the court for the second of back-to-back outings after logging 32 hard minutes Thursday.
The Suns’ pest will only have eyes for James tonight. Brooks is a premier defender, and while LeBron has had mixed scoring results against him, he’s posted three, four, and six assists in their three head-to-head meeting this season.
Player projections are also cooling on James’ playmaking versus the Suns. His assist forecasts top out at 8.1, with most sitting shy of eight dimes against an inflated assist O/U.
Suns vs Lakers same-game parlay
Los Angeles is pushing for the No. 4 seed and can’t afford a loss. Phoenix has nothing at stake, parked at No. 7, and is playing without its starting backcourt, including Devin Booker.
James sees his 3-point activity spike whenever Austin Reaves is out. He’s attempted 11 triples the past two games, including making three shots from distance in the win over Golden State last night.
Suns vs Lakers SGP
Lakers moneyline
LeBron James Under 9.5 assists
LeBron James Over 1.5 made threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hollywood Knight
If Smart returns, LeBron can play an off-ball scoring role and set up his shots. He’s been big on the boards, with eight and nine rebounds the last two games. The Suns run a lot of small ball, so James can body his way on the glass. Projections sit at 7+ rebounds.
Suns vs Lakers SGP
Lakers moneyline
LeBron James Under 9.5 assists
LeBron James Over 1.5 made threes
LeBron James Over 6.5 rebounds
Suns vs Lakers odds
Spread: Suns -2.5 | Lakers +2.5
Moneyline: Suns -120 | Lakers +140
Over/Under: Over 218 | Under 218
Suns vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Lakers are 17-10 SU and ATS in the second game of back-to-back games over the past two seasons, including an 8-5 ATS record in those turnarounds this year. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Lakers.
How to watch Suns vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Friday, April 10, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
AZFS, Spectrum SportsNet
Suns vs Lakers latest injuries
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The Mavericks were 1-3 this weekend and remained in 13th place in the West. They lost to Orlando (138-127) and beat the hobbled Lakers (134-128) before heading out West for back-to-back losses to the Clippers (116-103) and Phoenix (112-108). Cooper Flagg led the team in scoring with, and this is not a typo, 33 points per game. Daniel Gafford left the game against the Lakers with a shoulder injury. Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and Klay Thompson all missed the game in Phoenix.
Grade: A-
The Mavericks played two incredibly fun games last Friday and Sunday. They earned their first home win since late January after defeating the Lakers, and it felt good. In a season full of losing, the occasional win is a good reminder of better times, and hopefully times to come. They played a pretty uneventful back-to-back against the Clippers and Suns, save for the last five minutes of the game against Phoenix. Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, and Ryan Nembhard were all pulled with 4:37 left, Dallas down seven. The Mavericks lost by just five, and that was only three when the Mavericks had the ball with 44 seconds left. They avoided a hilarious win, but provided entertainment regardless.
Dallas will finish the season at San Antonio Friday and at home against Chicago on Sunday. Then, our focus turns to the ping pong balls.
Straight A’s: Cooper Flagg
There are few new words left to describe Flagg’s rookie season. He now owns the two highest-scoring games for a teenager in NBA history (51, 49), and trails only Luka Doncic (5) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4) for most 45-point games in the NBA this season (Flagg has three). He scored 96 points in the two games against Orlando and Los Angeles on 33-of-57 (58 percent) shooting. Not only was he efficient from the floor, but he also had 12 assists and just 3 (!) turnovers. And one of the turnovers was an uncalled foul that got Jason Kidd ejected. So, if you’re counting, that is three turnovers to 69 shots and assists.
Flagg is defying what it means to be not only a rookie, but a teenager. At 19, he is doing things that the league’s best are doing, and controlling the game in a way you normally only do after years of experience. He is the best rookie, regardless of what the voters decide. In fact, he is one of the best rookies ever, and we may finish this year with him in some uncomfortable conversations.
Currently Failing: Khris Middleton
It is hard to overstate how bad Middleton has been. He scored less than four points a game in 16.7 minutes a night over the last week. He shot 21 percent from the floor and turned the ball over nearly double the number of times he made a shot. It will all be over soon, Khris.
Extra Credit: Frank Vogel
Vogel was the stand-in coach after Kidd was ejected last Friday. Flagg was at 45 points in a game out of reach, and Vogel put him back in the game to score six points in just over a minute to eclipse the 50-point plateau. Very cool, Frank, very cool.
Miami kept Rozier on the roster through the All-Star break — listing him as "away from the team" — because his expiring contract could have been a valuable trade chip in a larger deal at the trade deadline. While no trade developed, the Heat did not need the roster spot with its team largely healthy after the break, so it was just patient and waited to release him. The Heat sit as the No. 10 seed in the East and are headed to the play-in.
Rozier will be a free agent after this season, although with the court case looming no team is going to touch him.
The NHL unveiled their 2025-26 King Clancy Trophy nominees on Friday, with veteran defenseman Colton Parayko selected for the St. Louis Blues.
The King Clancy Trophy goes “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”
Each team nominated a player who best fit the criteria.
A committee including NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, former winners of the King Clancy Trophy and past winners of the former NHL Foundation Player Award will consider a nominee’s inspiration, involvement and positive impact on their community. They will then take a vote to determine the winner.
Whoever gets the most votes wins not only the award but also a $25,000 donation to a charity or charities of their choice. The winner can even choose to have his team receive a grant of up to $20,000 from the NHL to help organize an activation supporting his humanitarian cause.
Kelly Chase in 1997-98 is the only Blues player to win this award.
In a press release, the Blues outline Parayko's work in the St. Louis community.
“Since arriving in St. Louis in 2015, Parayko has built a reputation that extends far beyond his play on the blue line. He remains a familiar face at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, while also supporting a wide range of charitable efforts both locally and in his home province of Alberta.
In 2021, Parayko expanded his commitment to giving back by launching Project 55, a foundation focused on supporting hospitalized children and their families. The initiative provides both financial assistance and emotional support, and over the past several years has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help families navigating difficult circumstances.
Project 55 also creates memorable experiences designed to lift spirits during challenging times. Throughout the season, Parayko hosts patients and their families at Blues home games at Enterprise Center, offering an all-inclusive experience that includes game tickets, team gear, and a postgame meet-and-greet.”
In addition to the 32-year-old’s off-ice work, he’s posted three goals and 17 points in 73 games this season, claimed a silver medal with Team Canada at the Olympics, and will reach 800 career NHL games if he plays in each of the Blues’ remaining games.
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It smelled of outright tanking — Draymond Green said as much after the game. Wednesday night, the Kings had a slim 101-100 lead with 3:15 remaining in the game when head coach Doug Christie motioned to his team to intentionally foul career 86.4% free-throw shooter Seth Curry off the ball, even though the Warriors were already in the bonus.
Could someone wake up Adam Silver and tell him the bottom half of the league is in shambles? pic.twitter.com/5Z8caYjPzN
The NBA investigated and concluded that the Kings were not tanking, they were just inept. The Kings had three timeouts left and would have lost one at the 3:00 mark (teams can only call two timeouts in the final three minutes), and Christie is a coach well known for taking that timeout to avoid losing it. However, he just forgot or didn't know the Warriors were in the bonus. Here is the league's statement.
"The league's investigation determined that Christie mistakenly believed that the Warriors were not in the penalty and therefore instructed his team to foul in an attempt to stop the clock and utilize one of the team's remaining timeouts. The investigation found that Christie made no intentional effort to give the Warriors a shooting foul, or to cause the Kings to lose the game."
Kings head coach Doug Christie talks about being investigated and cleared by the NBA for his decision to foul Seth Curry in the loss to the Warriors two nights ago, explains his strategy, talks about celebrating DeMar DeRozan in Friday's home finale & what he wants fans to know. pic.twitter.com/cELezwA0BV
Curry made one of two and tied the game from the free-throw line. On its next possession, the Kings retook the lead, but ultimately lost the game 110-105.
Clippers vs Trail Blazers best bet: Blazers moneyline (-115)
The Portland Trail Blazers are in the midst of a two-game losing skid, but they return to the Moda Center tonight for a two-game home stand to finish up the regular season.
The Blazers have compiled a 22-17 record at home in 2025-26, and they’ve won five of their last six games at the Moda Center.
Also, Portland just ended a four-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Clippers last month, beating them 114-104 on the road. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is coming off an 18-point defeat to the OKC Thunder, and they’re just 19-21 away from the Intuit Dome.
The Blazers will grind out a victory tonight.
Clippers vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Deni Avdija has been balling out this season, averaging a career-best 24 ppg. He’s cashed the Over in four straight appearances, and he just dropped 29 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old is one of Portland’s top options, and he already scored 28 against the Clippers on March 31. He’s also averaging 24.8 ppg at home.
Jrue Holiday has cashed the Over in dimes in three consecutive outings, and he’s averaging 6.2 assists overall. In his last home game, Holiday dished out nine dimes.
Scoot Henderson dropped 15 points versus Los Angeles in March, and he’s in his bag right now, cashing the Over in three of his last five appearances.
The guard has played 36 minutes or more across the last two games, and he had 20 points on Wednesday. Heavier minutes mean a better chance for more offensive output.
Clippers vs Trail Blazers SGP
Deni Avdija Over 25.5 points
Jrue Holiday Over 5.5 assists
Scoot Henderson Over 15.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: All eyes on Avdija
Avdija is also averaging 6.7 assists, serving as one of Portland’s best facilitators. He had eight dimes against the Clippers last month, and he’s cashed the Over in three of his previous four.
Clippers vs Trail Blazers SGP
Deni Avdija Over 25.5 points
Jrue Holiday Over 5.5 assists
Scoot Henderson Over 15.5 points
Deni Avdija Over 6.5 assists
Clippers vs Trail Blazers odds
Spread: Los Angles +1 (-110) | Portland -1 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles -105 | Portland -115
Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Clippers vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
The Portland Trail Blazers have hit the 3Q Moneyline in 27 of their last 45 games (+10.35 Units / 16% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Clippers vs Trail Blazers
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Friday, April 10, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SoCal, BlazerVision
Clippers vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 28: Ronald Holland II #5 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center on March 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Pistons defeated the Timberwolves 109-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another dust-up is waiting to be settled as the Detroit Pistons face the Charlotte Hornets for the first time since the February game that ended in chaos and suspensions.
The Pistons are locked at the one seed, and the Hornets appear to be headed for the play-in tournament. Everything is on the table for them, and tonight is a must-win.
Do the Pistons rest vs the hungry Hornets? Or does Cade Cunningham continue to get his legs under him? It will be interesting to see how JB Bickerstaff plays his hand against another potential playoff opponent.
Game Vitals
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
When: 7:00 PM
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (+5)
Analysis
The Hornets have been the best offense in the league since Dec. 2. They hit the offensive glass, get up 3s, and have multiple 20-point threats. With their high 3-point rate comes variance.
The Hornets are an interesting watch when they do not have it going from 3 because they do not have many consistent 2-point scorers. None of their go-to options gets to the rim a lot compared to other offensive engines.
The Pistons are the complete opposite. They live in the paint. Cade Cunningham played 26 minutes after missing time. It was good to see him attacking the basket. Cade was 5/7 from the restricted area (PivotFade). He got back in the lineup and immediately began dropping his shoulders and making contact with defenders to get buckets. Getting more minutes tonight before the playoffs could keep Cade sharp after his layoff.
Jalen Duren is an automatic 2-point player. In a playoff series, the Hornets would try to get JD on the perimeter and hunt 3s. He has to be ready for that, no doubt. But how would the Hornets solve the Duren puzzle on the other end?
Moussa Diabaté is Charlotte’s offensive rebound machine, and he kicks it out to his shooters like his life depends on it. He is a ball of energy, but is not sturdy enough to handle Duren in the paint. Not many are. Grant Williams is a good undersized defender, but he would struggle with Duren’s mass. Ryan Kalkbrenner would too, despite his length.
While Charlotte has been the top 3-point shooting team all year (2nd in attempts, third in %), Detroit is on a heater. They are shooting 39 percent (sixth in league) in the last 15 games. Duncan Robinson, Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, Tobias Harris, and Marcus Sasser are all shooting over 40 percent during this hot stretch from triple.
Ron Holland is on the 3-point action, shooting 44 percent on three attempts over the last seven games. Holland is going to let it fly every time. He knew these shots were down as soon as they left his hands. That is progress.
On the other side, the Hornets have shooters galore. Kon Knueppel (268) and LaMelo Ball (261) are first and second in total 3s. Brandon Miller is 38.5 percent on over eight attempts. Grant Williams, Coby White. There are some guys over there who can shoot it. While their trigger-happy offense results in tons of 3s, turnovers come with Charlotte’s package. This team turns the ball over a ton (15.4 TO #24), and Detroit feasts off those.
Detroit is the best turnover creation team in basketball. They have the best wing defender in Ausar Thompson. All of those Hornets snipers will deal with him at some point.
It is not fair what Ausar can do to offensive players. The save on this possession was just as impressive as Ausar’s perfectly-timed block. The balance and awareness needed to pull off this sequence is wild.
On the next possession down, it seemed like Ryan Rollins, who is having a Most Improved Player-type year, was fine immediately giving up the ball because of the harassment from Ausar. The turnover-prone weapons in Charlotte cannot be loose with the ball in this matchup.
Daniss Jenkins, who trains with Rollins, will be a critical piece tonight and on this postseason run. He is the backup ball handler who needs to stay prepared. He is good enough to be more than a neutral, but even that would be enough. Detroit needs Jenkins to remain competent with Cade back in the lineup.
We will see how Bicketstaff handles the rotation tonight. The chase for 60 wins and the need to stay sharp are reasons to get starters on the floor. The Hornets will be desperate, and the Pistons can spoil their standings push tonight.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - AUGUST 13: Jacy Sheldon #4 of the Washington Mystics shoots the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on August 13, 2025 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Currently, WNBA teams, including the Washington Mystics are negotiating with free agents who may be interested in coming to their team. One of the key things that remains in teams’ hands is whether to give the core player designation on one player. According to Alexa Philippou of ESPN, most teams have, but the Mystics appear not to have done that.
This is not particularly surprising. According to Sportrac, the 2025 Mystics roster at the end of the season had two players with cap hits above $100,000: Alysha Clark and Stefanie Dolson. However, both Clark and Dolson are longtime veterans and wouldn’t be able to be cored. The remaining players are primarily on rookie scale contracts.
What this means is that the Mystics are in prime position to spend on free agents though they can’t give a supermax salary. They have over $5 million in cap space out of a $7 million salary cap. Remember, the Mystics, EVEN IF THEY CHOOSE TO …. deconstruct like the Wizards … HAVE TO PAY SOME PLAYER a big salary, likely at around $1 million.
Also, out of their cap space, some of these players will be used on their three first round picks (No. 4, No. 9, No. 11) and there’s a good chance that their second round picks (No. 19, No. 30) could ALL make the roster. If that happens, there will still be cap room to sign a free agent or two at a very large salary.
